Childhood

Mud on our faces,
Reeds in our hands,
Uphill, down traces,
Freely we ran.

Sticks were for fighting
In make-believe cove—
Far from horizon—
For our treasure trove.

Crowned by aged paper,
A kingdom we ruled.
Like mighty emperors,
We banished all fools.

Laughter we gathered,
Walking in the woods.
Played we forever,
Such was a childhood.